The Joy of the Gospel

Pope Francis released his first Apostolic Exhortation on November 26. Entitled Evangelii Gaudium -- The Joy of the Gospel-- it's perfectly timed for Thanksgiving and Advent, when we count our blessings. Or in some cases need some encouragement to be able to see them.

In it he urges each of us to have done with trying to find joy and comfort anywhere else but in Christ himself:

"I invite all Christians, everywhere, at this very moment, to a renewed personal encounter with Jesus Christ, or at least an openness to letting him encounter them; I ask all of you to do this unfailingly each day. No one should think that this invitation is not meant for him or her, since “no one is excluded from the joy brought by the Lord”.

The Lord does not disappoint those who take this risk; whenever we take a step towards Jesus, we come to realize that he is already there, waiting for us with open arms. Now is the time to say to Jesus: “Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more, to renew my covenant with you. I need you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace”. How good it feels to come back to him whenever we are lost! Let me say this once more: God never tires of forgiving us; we are the ones who tire of seeking his mercy. Christ, who told us to forgive one another “seventy times seven” (Mt 18:22) has given us his example: he has forgiven us seventy times seven. Time and time again he bears us on his shoulders.

No one can strip us of the dignity bestowed upon us by this boundless and unfailing love. With a tenderness which never disappoints, but is always capable of restoring our joy, he makes it possible for us to lift up our heads and to start anew. Let us not flee from the resurrection of Jesus, let us never give up, come what will. May nothing inspire more than his life, which impels us onwards!"

For a marvelous introduction to the life and thought of our Holy Father, order our just-released special commemorative issue, Pope Francis: The People's Pope It's a beautiful, 54-page full color issue with stunning photos, inspirational essays, and excepts from his speeches.

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